How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
It can be a huge trouble to lose your car keys. There are, however, several ways to prevent this from occurring.
Keep your car keys secure by using traditional key chains, or clearing your office or home. For more intricate keys, however, you will need to contact your dealership or a locksmith.
Retract your Steps
The process of tracing your steps can help you find your keys. This may sound like the most old-fashioned piece of advice but it can be extremely useful in locating lost items. The first step is to return to the place where you last remember having your keys. For instance, if you lost them in the process of getting out of your car, look in your driveway and garage to see if they're there. Examine all the items that could have fallen onto the table if you dropped them.
If retracing your steps doesn't work, you can write down everything you did in the day to spark memories of where your keys might be. This could also narrow down your search.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
Losing keys is the most traumatic feeling especially if you're late. It's easy to lose focus and absentmindedly set them down in your home, then forget where they are. This is why it's essential to keep your keys in the same spot after you use them. This will help you make it a habit and you'll know where to look for keys in the future.
When you're trying to find your keys, start by retracing the steps and taking note of the places you may have placed them down. This includes countertops, tables and key hooks. You should also examine your bags and pockets for any items that might have fallen out.
Then, you should check the interior of your vehicle. Many people keep their keys in a compartment or bag of their car. It's a good idea in the event that your keys have an ID card, to take the fob from its holder in order to determine whether it's fallen out.
Finally, it's always a good idea to check the house itself. Many people lose their keys when wearing a coat and do not take them out before they enter the home. Start by checking your bags and pockets. You can also feel under furniture or in couch cushions to determine whether you've lost them. It may be the right time to call an expert locksmith if you've not found your keys. If you're lucky, they'll be able to help you retrieve the keys. If not, they're likely to be lost forever and you'll need to buy another set.
Try Turning the Car On
The best method to avoid getting locked out of your car is by always keeping a spare key in the glove box. You are still able to get into your vehicle if you lose your key fob.
If you own a newer car that only uses keyless entry and push-button start then you will be in a bind if your keys are lost. The reason for this is because the key fob is equipped with an element wireless that transmits an alert to the ignition and if it fails to detect this signal, the car won't turn on.
Many car makers have designed a fail-safe for their vehicles to avoid this problem. If the battery inside your key fob goes out and it is not in a position to transmit the signal needed to start the ignition of your vehicle. Some vehicles have a hidden switch beneath the steering wheel which can be used without the key fob. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to activate this switch.
There are several ways to start a car using an unresponsive fob. However, it's an extremely difficult job that could be risky. Some techniques involve using a screwdriver and hammer to attempt to start the ignition, whereas others employ a technique known as hot wiring to reroute the battery wires in order to start the engine. It is best to leave these techniques to a professional auto mechanic who has the necessary equipment. In the majority of cases it will also require the expert to remove some of the security components from the vehicle in order to access the correct security components. The dealer can program the new remote to connect with your vehicle.
Call Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company immediately after you lose your keys. This will stop anyone from attempting to use the keys they lost and give you peace of mind. If you don't report the missing keys to your car in time, you might find that someone has used them and left damage to your vehicle doors or ignition.
It's a sad fact that car thefts are on the rise, especially in cases where the owner has left keys inside the vehicle. Certain insurers offer the key replacement rider as an option to their comprehensive auto insurance policies. However, the price and conditions for this coverage could vary from policy to policy.
lost car keys of companies only cover a small portion of the cost to replace the key fob, which can be a costly proposition. It's more costly to replace a smart key which can open doors or start your car. In this instance, it may be worth considering alternatives such as a roadside assist plan that includes locksmith.
You should also check with the car's manufacturer to find out if they provide replacements for lost fobs. Some manufacturers sell them directly and even pair an additional one with your car at the dealership. These services are typically less expensive and faster than having your car towed. However, it is important to take into account the cost of your deductible before weighing these options.
Call for a locksmith
There are a variety of reasons you could lose your car keys. Keep an extra car key on hand or make use of one of the many Bluetooth trackers available to avoid this. This will allow you to locate your car in a matter of minutes and will save you from having to pay for locksmiths or having to be towed back to the dealership.
Report the incident as soon you can in the event that you lose your car keys. This will ensure that your keys aren't taken away or used by anyone else. It will also help to ensure that your insurance company is able to provide you with the right coverage if you need to file a claim.
If you lose the keys to your car, you must first go through all the normal locations where they are kept. You can then call an expert locksmith to make a replacement. They can usually make this happen in a matter of minutes and will make use of the latest technology to create a duplicate key and program it.
It is also important to remember that you should only deal with an experienced locksmith in the production of these types of replacement keys. They should have the tools to to take out stuck or bent keys without causing further damage. They should also be able to give you a warranty on their work.
Some dealerships can create new keys for customers, but this may cost more than working with a locksmith outside. You should also determine if your insurance covers the cost of a locksmith or locksmith.